In 2016, Gianluca Busio arrived in Kansas City as a 14-year-old newcomer to the Sporting KC Academy.
Less than two years later, Busio took the field at Children's Mercy Park for his MLS debut.
Fast forward to 2021 and a U.S. Men's National Team uniform will await him the next time Busio steps into the world-class locker room.
BUSIO'S RAPID RISE
Age 14: Move from North Carolina to Kansas City
Age 15: Sign professional contract
Age 16: First MLS goal and first MLS assist
Age 17: Score for U.S. at FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil
Age 18: First playoff goal and first playoff assist
Age 19: First call-up to U. S. Men's National Team
On Friday, Busio joined The Drive on 610 Sports Radio to chat with Carrington Harrison about his recent selection to the United States' roster for the Gold Cup.
INTERVIEW: Busio on 610 Sports Radio
"Everything that I've worked toward is kind of happening," Busio said. "It's special. I grew up my whole life playing for the youth national teams and I went to a U-17 World Cup with USA. Now the pathway is completed. I'm going to the men's national team next week. I'm looking forward to it and I'm proud that I can represent my country at the highest level."
Busio, who credited Sporting teammates Roger Espinoza and Johnny Russell for sharing their international experience, is the first Sporting KC Academy product to join the full national team for an official competition and the second youngest player in U.S. MNT history to make a Gold Cup squad.
So what's next for Busio after Sporting travels to LA for Sunday's showdown with the Galaxy?
"The next step is trying to win the Gold Cup," Busio said. "This is just the first step."
